Quiltblogger

About Me

Welcome to an inside look at how this Professional quilt designer keeps life interesting.
Quilting has changed my life in so many ways and I get the most joy out of inspiring others!
I started NESTLINGS by Robin in 2004 and you can view my published quilt patterns at www.nestlingsbyrobin.com

Saturday, December 17, 2011

MASTERS: Art Quilts Volume 2-- Can I just gush for a moment about and say; Wow, Wowee, Wowzee, Wowzer!! I had the amazing opportunity to review this new wonder published by Lark Crafts and curated by Martha Sielman and what an honor it was! Whether or not all the art within these pages speaks to you, it is imperative to our textile/fiber art community that we are aware of what strides are being taken to further our voices as a whole.

The first thing that struck me was the choice to use cool colors on the cover vs. the warm colors used on Volume 1. The formatting of this book is ideal due to the ability to see an artist's body of work, instead of the typical 1 or 2 photos, which allows you to really get a feel for how that artist works.

About a month or so ago on the Quilt Art list there was a discussion about how textile/fiber artists discuss their work and how we generally discuss technique vs. thoughts or how we came to create a particular piece. I don't know that that particular thought process would have mattered to me before the discussion but it stood out to me at this point in viewing. Each artist has a mini bio at the beginning of their section and there are quotes of how they design sprinkled throughout their section but each photo has a list of techniques accompanying it. Since my art consists of pretty basic techniques like photo printing, painting, and thread painting; I am fascinated by the endless variety of techniques used by the artists within these pages.

There is a wonderful mixture of realism vs.abstract, traditional vs. innovative technique and you will be intrigued even when it isn't normally something you would be interested in. I am not an abstract art viewer so when I find some I like, it is usually difficult for me to verbalize why I like it. The following artists made me stop and take a second and third look:Jan Myers-Newbury for her movement, texture, and Autumn colors. I think color always plays a big part in the viewer being drawn into a piece.Dirkje van der Horst-Beetsma for the movement of the jagged stitch lines and I really enjoyed the assembly of her work.Nelda Warkentin for the movement, the sheer and light aspects, the obvious nature feel, and the repetition of design that spoke to me from a traditional perspective.

I would also like to point out a few other artists' work that I was intrigued by for various reasons:Carolyn Crump for her great use of fabrics and her use of thread work for shading and facial detail.Paula Nadelstern's work is mesmerizing from the urban (Tree Grate) to the magical (Ice Crystals-which prompted me to buy one of her books) but I am truly blown away by her landscapes, specifically Tulips in the Courtyard....Absolutely Lovely!Laura Wasilowski's work is not only joyful but narrative and I can't believe she hasn't been approached to illustrate a children's book--specifically Lacking Gravity, Fences and Bridges 2, and Farm.Linda MacDonald has a wonderful ability to bring serious subjects to the viewer in an extremely accessible way as you are drawn in trying to find other motifs with significance to the piece.Maryline Collioud-Robert's repetitive lines are soothing even when meant to evoke vibrant energy.Tim Harding intrigued from the cover and I wanted to see how he managed to create something abstract and realistic at the same time...his rippling water effects make you want to see them close up and/or go for a swim:)
Lastly, I am in love with The Tower by Izabella Baykova and want to visit that magical and ethereal destination.

"Quilting combines the best of what the art world has to give. It can be sculptural. It can encompass drawing and painting. It's the ultimate mixed medium." Thank you, Jim Smoote, I couldn't have said it any better!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

According to Pantone, Tangerine Tango will be the color for 2012 and I couldn't be happier. In honor of this new vibrant color choice, here is my orange show and tell. Orange has been cropping up in my quilts for awhile mostly in the Autumn, spiced pumpkin shades. Lately, the brighter colors have been sneaking in. Either way, orange is a fabulous color and I hope you will all be inspired to add just a touch to your new work this year.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Is "blooming" the right word for a poinsettia? Yes it is and mine is blooming. There was already one planted in the front yard of my new home and the dip in tempuratures/shorter days must have pushed it to brighten:) I am loving it!! I might try to plant another this year.

I know the blog has been mostly about my new Florida foliage adventures but there has been plenty of quilting going on too....

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The December sale means that this new pattern could be yours for FREE! Now through December 10th I am holding a 2 for 1 sale on my website: http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.com where you will be able to see my new layout along with a few new patterns. Buy one at regular price and get one of equal or lesser cost for free. Make sure to tell me in the message field during checkout which Free pattern you would like or you can email me (email address is at the bottom of the HOME page). I will double check when I confirm that I received your order.

Above is a brand new pattern that is a variation on my very popular Coastal Christmas applique pattern. Here it is done in redwork and smaller, measuring 20" square. Don't forget to visit my Etsy store for a few wonderful last minute gifts and where shipping is FREE until the 10th.